Empowering Coastal Communities in the Solomon Islands

Adaptive Climate Solutions is dedicated to collaboratively developing flexible and innovative solutions for emerging socio-ecological challenges in the Western Province, Solomon Islands.

Our approach involves the blending of traditional knowledge and practices with Western scientific traditions to improve decision-making and resource management. This integration acknowledges the significance of indigenous Solomon Island wisdom and local insights, incorporating them with scientific data and techniques to formulate more comprehensive and sustainable governance strategies.

We firmly believe that this adaptive approach fosters resilience and flexibility in tackling issues related to rapid climate change, as well as the challenges arising from increased tourism and globalisation. By combining the strengths of local knowledge and scientific expertise, we aim to address the complex dynamics of the region for the benefit of its communities and the preservation of its natural environment.

The Western Province in the Solomon Islands is encountering distinct challenges as it expands its tourism industry, marked by the opening of a new international airport in Munda in late 2023. Adaptive Climate Solutions collaborates with local communities to leverage market incentives arising from the growing tourism sector and the region's abundant natural ecosystem. Our focus is on developing sustainable and adaptable systems that not only foster economic development within the communities, but also address the escalating pressures on natural resources due to tourism and climate change. Our ultimate goal is to safeguard the region's rich natural biodiversity for future generations.

Our Key Pillars

Two-way Learning

Two-way learning entails the development of initiatives that blend traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches. These programs strive to equip individuals with the skills to cultivate available resources responsibly, considering economic viability, ecological balance, and social inclusivity. The two-way learning process across cultures involves integrating local knowledge and wisdom with contemporary scientific insights, fostering a collaborative approach that respects local practices while incorporating Western scientific innovations and techniques. This collaborative learning ensures a holistic understanding of desired initiatives, promoting sustainable practices that benefit communities and ecosystems.

Sustainable Aquaculture

Sustainable Aquaculture refers to the practice of cultivating aquatic organisms, such as fish and coral in a manner that balances economic viability, environmental responsibility, and social considerations. It involves methods that minimises negative impacts on ecosystems, conserves natural resources and prioritises the well-being of local communities. Sustainable aquaculture aims to meet the current demands for aquatic products without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, fostering long-term environmental and economic health.

Renewable Energy

We view renewable energy as harnessing natural resources like sunlight, wind, and water to generate power in a way that prioritises economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Sustainable renewable energy practices aim to minimise environmental impacts, promote resource conservation, and contribute to long-term resilience. The goal is to meet current energy needs while ensuring the ability of future generations to fulfil their requirements, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Our Guiding Principles

Invest

This principle guides us to identify and invest in local community level priorities and leadership and reflects a value of commitment to allocating resources wisely, whether it's financial investments in projects, time, or efforts towards continuous improvement and growth.

Effect

This principle guides us to effect purposeful collaboration between local traditions and knowledge systems and Western scientific traditions. It reflects a value of commitment to creating tangible impacts and influence, emphasising the importance of results, outcomes and changes that align with community level expectations and our organisational level mission and goals.

Foster

This principle guides us to foster good will and meaningful connections in everything we do, facilitating long-term planning and sustainable practices that benefit communities and ecosystems. It reflects a value of nurturing relationships, collaboration, and development, whether within the organisation or in the broader community.

Some of the ways we

Invest, Effect & Foster

Local community member ownership in for-profit business ventures such as Solomon Pro.

Direct financial investment in large scale infrastructure projects such as new buildings and sea walls.

Community level ownership and management of community facing projects.

Financially supporting community level causes and initiatives, such as the Uniting Church Football and Netball tournament fundraiser.

Honouring local community processes and traditions, such as awareness campaigns and elder and Chief consultation.

Paying above industry wages to those involved in the management and day-to-day running of projects.

Up-skilling at the community level, such as providing open water scuba tickets and training in other sustainable development methodologies.

Respecting local traditions and culture, learning local languages and traditional skills.

Get in Touch

For inquiries or collaboration opportunities, please contact us.

info@adaptiveclimatesolutions.org